Sunshine Matters

Today we celebrate Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol as the industry’s annual opportunity to ensure our legislators know just how important tourism is to the Sunshine State.  And coming off of two consecutive record years of tourism spending and visitation, Florida’s tourism industry has a great story to tell. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share that today, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott announced that according to preliminary estimates released by VISIT FLORIDA, visitors to the Sunshine State spent a record $71.8 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent over 2011.  This represents a record year of spending in 2012 by tourists in Florida, exceeding the previous highs of $67.2 billion in 2011 and $65.5 billion in 2007. Continue reading »

I am pleased to share with you the following press release that was sent out today by the Governor’s Press Office:

Governor Scott announced today that according to preliminary estimates* released by VISIT FLORIDA – the state’s official tourism marketing corporation – 89.3 million visitors came to Florida in 2012, an increase of 2.3 percent over 2011.  This represents a record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 87.3 million in 2011.  The number of direct travel-related jobs in 2012 was also a record high, with 1,030,600 Floridians employed in the tourism industry. Continue reading »

Below please find a press release that VISIT FLORIDA sent to the media this afternoon after Governor Scott unveiled his proposed 2013-2014 budget.

Governor Scott Recommends Increased Funding for VISIT FLORIDA

2013-2014 Proposed Budget Allocates $75 Million for Tourism Marketing Efforts

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (January 31, 2013) – Today, Governor Scott announced his proposed budget for 2013-2014. The Governor recommended that VISIT FLORIDA receive $75 million in public funding to support statewide tourism marketing efforts for the coming year. The recommendation represents a 39 percent increase over last year’s allocation. Continue reading »

According to preliminary estimates* we released today 21.9 million visitors came to Florida in the third quarter of 2012 (July-September), an increase of 3.5 percent over the same period in 2011.  Direct travel-related employment in Florida also rose 1.5 percent over third quarter 2011 to 1,020,200, an addition of 15,000 jobs since this time last year. Continue reading »